Will Packers QB Aaron Rodgers become the first $25 million dollar quarterback in wake of Flacco deal?

March 6, 2013 · 1 Comment

By Eric Schmidt

Quarterbacks around the NFL had to be looking in at the deal that Baltimore Ravens signal caller Joe Flacco received, none more that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, a reigning Super Bowl MVP himself, and arguably the best quarterback in the NFL currently, is winding down his current contract. He is currently inked through 2014, but the Packers should seriously think about getting talks going after the deal Joe Flacco received from the Baltimore Ravens.

Flacco pocketed a reported $52 million in guaranteed money in his new deal. Rodgers, a first-round draft day spiral, who sat behind Brett Favre for several seasons, is now going to get his revenge on the league in the manner which could set the stage for the largest quarterback contract of all-time.

Rodgers numbers dwarf Flacco’s.

For comparison, let’s look at Drew Brees and Tom Brady over the last two seasons versus Rodgers. Brees, shattered the single season passing yardage record set by Dan Marino, but has 83 touchdowns and 33 interceptions in the last two years. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is often referenced as one of the greatest of all-time, has 73 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in the last two years.

Enter Aaron Rodgers. 84 touchdowns and only 14 picks in two seasons while just getting ready to turn 30 in December of this year. Add in four consecutive seasons of a passer rating over 100.

Reports are suggesting that the Packers want to start talks with Rodgers about a contract extension. They should start discussions as soon as possible despite the fact that Rodgers is still under contract for the next two seasons. However, in the NFL, just as baseball, you will start to see these contracts start to spiral out of control as teams try to retain quality quarterbacks. Should nearly 20% of your team’s salary cap be dedicated to one player at one position? A position that could be eliminated early on in the season if a serious injury has occurred? (See Tom Brady, 2008).

The NFL has demonstrated that you cannot win without a solid quarterback, but 2012 illustrated that the college ranks are producing some very talented signal callers.

These skyrocketing quarterback contracts are really going to put a serious grasp on scouting around the NFL. Finding talent through the lower ends of the draft or undrafted free agents are going to become premium.

Your team has successfully scouted a franchise quarterback. Now you must pay him. Now your team is going to have to figure out how to fill the rest of the holes, and on a budget.